MEMBERS of a rowing club who rescued five teenage girls from the River Wye were recognised by the fire service.

The Ross Rowing Club members attended the annual Herefordshire Medals and Awards Ceremony, which honours staff for their outstanding service and commitment to the fire service.

Chief fire officer’s certificates (of congratulations and commendation) were presented to the club members who rescued five teenage girls who came into difficulties as they swimming in the River Wye in Ross earlier this year.

Also during the evening The Fire Brigade's Long Service and Good Conduct Medals were presented to members of staff who had each completed either 20, 30 or 35 years of meritorious service.

There was also the Community Volunteer of the Year Award which went to Janette Hussy.

A Chief Fire Officer's Certificate of Commendation went to firefighter Ian Hazelwood who rescued a man from a house fire while off duty earlier this year.

The Chairman's Certificate of Commendation went to both Angela Tyler and the West Mercia Police Herefordshire Youth Inclusion Team, both of which have contributed significantly to the Dying 2 Drive programme, which helps educate young road users and keep them safe.

The final accolades, which were for The Fire Fighters Charity Runner-up Fundraiser of the Year, were presented to crews from Leominster, Leintwardine and Ross-on-Wye for all of their fundraising efforts.